Tips for engineering managers learning to lead remotely | GitLab

Articleabout.gitlab.comJanuary 30, 2021

AI Summary

Engineering managers must adapt their communication strategies and team engagement techniques when transitioning from in-office to remote work. Clear communication becomes crucial, as informal exchanges are replaced by documented communications to avoid misunderstandings. Managers emphasize the importance of trust and transparency, advocating for overcommunication and setting clear expectations. For example, instead of gathering team members for immediate problem-solving in person, managers should document issues in established communication channels to facilitate efficient resolutions. Key Points: - Transitioning to remote work requires a shift in communication methods from informal to documented. - Trust and transparency are essential for building effective remote teams. - Managers should prioritize asynchronous communication to minimize unnecessary meetings. - Documenting processes and maintaining clear communication channels enhance team engagement. - Encouraging informal interactions, such as coffee chats, helps build interpersonal connections in a remote environment. - Asynchronous communication allows team members to work on their own schedules, improving productivity across time zones.

Why It Matters for Leaders

This article provides valuable insights for engineering leaders navigating the challenges of managing remote teams, highlighting the importance of clear communication and transparency in fostering trust and engagement. An actionable takeaway is to prioritize asynchronous communication and documentation to streamline workflows and reduce the need for synchronous meetings, allowing team members to work effectively across different time zones.

Category

Remote / Async

Target Audience

Engineering ManagerDirector of EngineeringCTO / VP Engineering

Tags

Remote WorkAsync CommunicationTrustCommunicationDocumentation
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